Keeping Up with LinkedIn

If you're wondering how to use LinkedIn for networking and job search, this free lesson can help.

Keeping up with LinkedIn

Messages

You can send private messages to anyone on LinkedIn. This is an easy way to keep up with your connections, even if they change jobs or acquire a new email address.

To access your messages, select the Messages icon near the upper-right corner of the screen.

Status updates

You can post status updates to share with your connections. For example, you might post a status update about a new job or link to an article that's relevant to your industry. However, you probably shouldn't share anything too personal on LinkedIn—keep in mind that LinkedIn is not Facebook or Twitter, so posting overly personal information might be perceived as unprofessional.

To post a status update, go to the homepage, type your update in the box, and select Share.

Groups

One way to make new connections is to become a member of a LinkedIn group. With more than 1 million groups focusing on a range of topics, there's probably a group that will interest you. We recommend joining groups related to your career field, as well as groups for alumni members from your college or university.

You can search for groups using the search box from any page on LinkedIn.